Foot imprinting device



R. W. BERGMAN FOOT IMPRINTING DEVICE Dec. 31, 1946.

Filed ma 11, 1944 5 Sheets-Sheet l Dec. 31, 1946.

R. w. BERGMAN' 03 FOOT IMPRINTING DEVICE Filed May-11, 1944 3 Sheefis-Sheet 2 5 W 7 fid /w mg Dec. 31, 1946'. R. w. BERGMAN 2,413,403

FOOT IMPRINTING DEVICE Filed May 11, 1944 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 Patented Dec. 31, 1946 roo'r IMPRINTING DEVICE Raymond W. Bergman, Lockport, Ill., assignor to The Scholl Mfg. 00., Inc, Chicago, 111., a corporation of New York Application May 11, 1944, Serial No. 535,089

7 Claims.

This invention relates to improvements in a foot imprinting device, highly desirable for use in taking an accurate impression or imprint of the plantar surface of the human foot, such impression or imprint customarily being used to determine the nature and character of aillictions or deformities of the foot and to aid in the fitting of articles of footwear.

It is now found desirable, in the proper fitting of articles of footwear, to have an imprint of a customers feet on file in the footwear establishment, and to have such an impression for every customer. If there is some defect in a customers foot, requiring some special construction in the shoe or the use of some appliance on the foot, a series of such impressions will show the progress being made in restoration of the foot to normal condition. Likewise, an accurate imprint of the foot, located in a predetermined place and manner on an illustrative and dimensional chart, greatly aids in the proper fitting. of the foot with a shoe or the like so that if the foot is substantially normal it will stay that way, and if it does have some aflliction not sufficient to warrant special attention, that aliliction will not be aggravated. I

In the past, many and various devices have been used to provide an imprint of the plantar surface of the human foot. However, these devices were not as eificient and easy to manipulate as is desirable for rapid, economical, and accurate imprint taking, so that the taking and filing of an imprint would consume ver little time and not add materially to the overhead cost in connection with the selling of a pair of shoes or similar articles.

With the foregoing in mind, it is an important object of the instant invention to provide a foot imprint taking device which is not only pleasing in appearance, but which is so constructed as to be substantially foolproof and to provide an adequate imprint on a suitable chart in a minimum amount of .time.

Another object of this invention is the provision of a foot imprint taking device so con-- structed as to provide an'accurate imprint of the foot merely by the customer placing his foot upon the device, there being nothing for the attendant to do except lift the cover over the device, remove the chart bearing the imprint, and then reclose the cover. Then the device is ready for the taking of the next imprint.

A further object of this invention is the provision of a foot imprint taking device capable of holding a plurality of imprint receiving charts,

and the device being so constructed as to automatically compensate for a reduction in the number of charts as successive imprints are taken and charts removed, there being no adjustments of any kind necessary to be made by an attendant,-

it being simply necessary for the attendant to successively remove charts from the device as each imprint is taken.

Also a feature of this invention is the provision of a foot imprint taking device whichalways pre-r sents a pleasing and clean appearance to a CllS-f tomers foot and which is so constructed as toautomatically maintain the duplicating or marking substance out of contact with the imprint receiving chart except'when an imprint is'being made. I

Still a further feature of this invention is the provision of a foot imprint taking device which is simple in construction, highly accurate in use, requires little or no attention, and is exceedingly economical to manufacture and use.

Alsoan object of this invention is the provision of a foot imprint taking device in which the duplicating or marking medium may be readily and quickly changed (or renewed), and which device is extremely economical to make and use.

It is a further obiect of this invention to provide a foot imprinting device wherein the foot;' contacting-element is maintained in raised posi-.. tion when not in use, and'the duolicating'or marking medium is also maintained out of contact with the imprint receiving chart by the same,

means as act upon said element.

While some of the more salient features, characteristics and advantages of the present invention have been above pointed out. others will become apparent from the following disclosures, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a fragmentary top plan view ofan imprint device embodying improvements of the instant invention, with parts broken away to show the disposition of parts disposed therebeneath;

- Figure 2 is a lon itudinal vertical sectional view a of the structure shown in Figure Land indicating in dotted lines the movement of the cover of the device when-an imprint receiving chartis to be removed;

, Figure 3 is. an enlarged transverse vertical sectional View taken substantially as indicated by the line III-III of Figure 2;

Figure 4 is also an enlarged fragmentary transverse vertical sectional view, taken substantially.

as indicated by the line IV-IVof Figure 2;

Figure 5 is another enlargedtransverse vertical sectional view, with parts shown in elevation, taken substantially as indicated by the line V-V of Figure 2;

Figure 6 is a diagrammatic top plan view of a chart which may be used in the device, illustrating the character of the foot imprint made upon the chart during the use of the device;

Figure 7 is a fragmentary top plan view of an imprint device embodying improvements of the instant invention, but of a somewhat different construction, with parts broken away to show the disposition of parts disposed therebeneath;

Figure 8 is a longitudinal vertical sectional view of the structure shown in Figure 7;

Figure 9 is an enlarged fragmentary transverse vertical sectional view, taken substantially as in dicated by the line IX-IX of Figure. 8; and

Figure 10 is an exploded view indicating the securement means for the duplicating or marking element, the illustrations being shown enlarged and in section, with the securing means illustrated in elevation.

As shown on the drawings:

The illustrated embodiment of this invention includes a cabinet-like structure having a base I with a working platform 2 substantially centrally disposed thereon. A cover 3, which is box-like or skirted as indicated at 4, is pivoted to the base by one or more hing members or the equivalent. Interiorly thereof, near the forward end, the cover is provided with a stop member 6 to limit the downward movement of the cover so that it will be in proper position when an imprint of the foot is taken.

With reference more particularly to Figures 2 and 4, it will be seen that the platform 2 is provided at each end with a wall member I extending above the platform and having a rolled upper end 8 which functions as a guide track for a duplicating ribbon to be described. Similarly, side walls 9 are provided along the sides of the platform 2, and above the platform filler members in are provided. The walls 1---! and 9-9 together with the filler blocks Ill-Ill define a pocket for the reception of a stack of imprint receiving charts l l, a diagrammatic plan view of one of these charts being illustrated in Figure 6. When positioned as seen in Figures 2 and 4, the uppermost chart II is ready to receive an imprint thereon.

As seen best in Figures 1 and a, the cover 3 is provided with a central opening l2 which, when the cover is in closed position, will be directly over the charts. At the rear end of this opening is an upwardly projecting gauge element against which the heel of a customers foot is positioned when an imprint is being taken, this gauge being so positioned relatively to the chart that the resulting imprint will :be in the proper location on the uppermost chart so that various characteristics of the foot may be readily determined from the printed indicia appearing on the face of the chart. In order to present a pleasing appearance as well as insure adequate cleanliness of a customers foot or hosiery, a sheet or screen 14, preferably of smooth finished opaque material, is disposed immediately inside the opening l2 so as to underlie the entire opening. This screen [4 may be tacked or otherwise fixedly secured to the underside. of the cover 3 at the heel end as indicated at 15, while at the other end it is preferably anchored to one or more tension springs IS, the opposite ends of which springs are fixed to the end wall of the cover. The springs l6 permit an adequate depression of the (ill screen l4 when a foot imprint is being made, and after the pressure of the foot is removed the springs will draw the curtain l4 back into the position seen in Figure 2 immediately inside the opening l2 so as to maintain a pleasing appearance to the entire device at all times. The action of the springs I6 in maintaining the screen M in proper position when the device is not in use is augmented to a material extent by a stirrup l1, seen in Figures 2 and 5, through which the screen slides in its downward and return movement.

Beneath the screen [5 is a duplicating ribbon f8 which extends over the stack of charts I I, this ribbon passing over the respective aforesaid rolled ends 8-43 on the top of the platform end walls 7-4, as seen in Figures 4 and 5. While the expression duplicating ribbon or means is used herein and in the appended claims, such expression is to be considered as including any suitable form of reproducing element. A desirable example of such duplicating member is a substantially permanently inked ribbon which is responsive to pressure on one face to reproduce a copy of that which causes the pressure. In connection with the present invention, it will also be appreciated that the inked ribbon may carry an opaque substance on one side, or it may be an opaque substance inked only on one side, and in either such event, the curtain l4 might be dispensed with.

One end of the duplicating ribbon i8 is attached to a receiving roll l9 provided with end flanges 20 and 2| (Figure 5), occupying that space beneath the cover 3 beyond one end of the platform 2. The flange 20 on the spool H! is preferably a smooth flange, while the flange 2! is preferably provided with ratchet teeth or the equivalent for a purpose that will later ap pear. The spool is obviously removably mounted in position by means now about to be described.

Secured to one side of the skirt portion 4 of the cover 3 (Figure 5) is a fixed stud 22 carrying a flange 23 thereon,which flange is provided with an outstanding projection 24 en-gageable through a suitable aperture in the flange 22 of the spool. The spool flange slips freely over the shank of the stud 22 and need only be adjusted until the projection 24 is seated within the aperture in the flange.

At the opposite side of the skirt 4, a manipulating handle 25 is carried on'a shank 28 freely journaled in the skirt of the cover. The inner end of the shank 26 is provided with a collar flange 21 fixedly engaged on the shank 2E, and having a projection 28 for a clutch-like driving engagement within an aperture in the spool flange 2|. A suitable coil spring 29 disposed around the shank 26 in a suitable recess 35 in the skirt 4 of the cover 3 exerts an inward pressure against the collar flange 2'! and consequently against the spool flange 2i. To discharge the spool it is a simple expedient to pull the handle 25 axially outwardly against the action of the spring 29 until the flange 21 has been disengaged from the spool flange 2!, then disengage the opposite spool flange 20 from the flange 23 and remove the spool. In O posite manner, the spool may be readily replaced in position.

With reference again to Figure 2, it will be seen that a dog 3! attached to the end wall I on the platform 2 engages with the ratchet teeth on the flange 2| to prohibit rotation of the spool [9 in one direction. Thespool may be rotated in the opposite direction to bring a new unused portion of the duplicating ribbon la in position beneath the opening [2, by proper manipulation of the handle 25.

The opposite end of the duplicating ribbon i8 is wound around a supply spool 32 having a plain flange 33 on one end, and a relatively widely toothed flange 34 on the other end. This spool 32 occupies the space beneath the cover 3 beyond the opposite end of the platform 2. With reference more particularly to Figures 2 and 3, it will be seen that on each side of the skirt 4 of the cover, a resilient bracket 35 is provided, each of these brackets carrying a stub shaft 36 which enters a suitable aperture in the respective spool flange. In order to remove and replace the spool, it is a simple expedient to press one or both brackets toward the cover skirt until the sub shaft is disengaged from the spool. In opposite manner, the spool may be inserted between the brackets which impart a resilient pressure adjacent the spool flanges to maintain the spool in proper position.

With reference to Figure 2, it will be seen that a spring dog 31 having a relatively wide angled working end 38 engages the teeth on the spool flange 34. This dog may be mounted to the end wall 1 of the platform 2. The resiliency of the dog 31 normally maintains the spool 32 in such position as to exert a tension on the duplicating ribbon l8 and maintain this ribbon normally spaced above the uppermost chart I I. When the pressure of a foot is placed on the duplicating ribbon l8, the spool 32 rotates suflieiently to permit contact of the ribbon with the uppermost chart ll. Frequently such rotation will not be sufficient to dislodge the end 38 of the dog 31 from the particular tooth on the flange 34 with which it is engaged, but it will merely slide up ward along this tooth. After the foot pressure is removed, the resiliency of the dog pressing. against the same tooth will restore the spool 32 to its original position and thus elevate the duplicating ribbon from the stack of charts. As the stack gradually becomes lowered by the successive removal of charts, the dog 31 may pass over one or more teeth on the flange 34, but nevertheless the resiliency of the dog will be suificient to maintain the duplicating ribbon spaced above the now lowered stack of charts even though the ribbon may not assume as high a position as it formerly did.

In operation, the present invention is extreme-.

ly simple and very highly accurate. It is simply necessary for an attendant or clerk to place a customers foot with the heel against the gauge I3 on the screen l4 within the opening I2 and properly position the foot with a rolling action, if desired, as the customer places his weight on the foot. In short, it is simply necessary for the customer to place his heel against the gauge l3 and step on the device. The pressure of the foot urges the screen [4 downwardly into contact with the duplicating ribbon l8, and forces this ribbon against the uppermost chart of the stack, thus producing an imprint of the foot as diagrammatically indicated in Figure 6 on this uppermost chart. The imprint will be in proper position relative to the printed indicia on the chart to enable the clerk or attendant to take an accurate reading of the characteristics of the particular foot. After the single step, the foot may be removed, as it is a Very simple expedient for the clerk to raise the cover of the device with the aid of a handle 39, remove the uppermost chart bearing the imprint, drop the cover, then the pedient to replenish the device with a new stack of charts when needed, and equally a simple expedient to provide a new duplicating ribbon when the first has become relatively ineffective.

In Figures '1 to 10 I have shown a modified form of the invention, which is still more economical in construction and use than the device above explained'in connection with Figures 1 to 5 inelusive.

This device includes a base member 40 which functions as a platform for the stack of charts 1 i as above explained, and a skirted cover 4| which may be hinged or otherwise attached to the base as indicated at 42. The cover is provided with a suitable heel engaging member or gauge 43 at the rear end of an aperture 44, and also with a suitable handle 45 or the equivalent for raising the cover relatively to the base 40.

The base 40 is provided with one or more up standing members 46 disposed at spaced intervals therearound to define a pocket for the accurate disposition of the stack of charts ll. These charts, of course, are disposed directly beneath the aperture 44 in the top of the cover so that the uppermost chart will receive the imprint of the foot when a prospective customer steps inside of the aperture 44, all as above described.

Inside the cover, underlying the aperture 44, is a sheet or screen 41 corresponding to the above described sheet or screen 14. In this instance, the sheet 41 is fixedly secured in any desired manner to the underface of the cover at the heel end of the device, such, for example, as being looped around a strip 48 (Figure 10), which may be screwed or otherwise attached to the cover as indicated at 49 in Figure 9. The other end of the sheet 51 is freely connected to one or more tension springs 59. These springs are so positioned as to urge the sheet 41 forwardly and consequently upwardly in close proximity with the undersurface of the cover, so that the sheet will cleanly underlie the aperture 44 and present a very pleasing appearance.

A duplicating or marking sheet 5|, corresponding in. nature and function with the above described marking element i8, is disposed beneath the. foot contacting sheet 41. In this instance, the duplicating or marking sheet is carried by the foot contacting sheet 41 and is therefore subjected to the tension of the springs 50, so that while the sheet 41 is urged upwardly into close proximity with the underside of the cover, the duplicating sheet 5| is simultaneously and likewise urged upwardly away from the stack of charts 1 I. Any suitable form of connection may be made between the foot contacting sheet 41 and the duplicating sheet 5!, and in the illustrated instance male snap members 52 are carried at each end of the foot contacting sheet 41. Similarly, female snap members 53 are carried in each end of the duplicating sheet El, and so the duplicating sheet may be readily snapped into position adjacent the under face of the foot contacting sheet. The duplicating sheet is thereby carried by the foot contacting sheet and consequently is moved toward and away from the 7 uppermost chart the stack; along; the foot: contacting sheet,

When it is desired to change or. renew the, (111 plicatingsheet, it is a simple expedient to elevate-the cover, unsnap the old and, used dupli,-. eating sheet, and quickly attach a new one. Upon closing of the cover, the device is again ready for instant operation.

The device set forth in Figures '7 to 10 inclua sive operates in the same general manner as above'described, so that no further description, is deemed necessary herein.

From the foregoing, it is apparent that I; have provided a novel. and highly.- efficient foot im print: taking device; which not only provides an accurate and clean-cut imprint upon a suitable chart, but which provides that imprint very rap-. idly and; with a minimum of efiort. It will. be noted that the device: is simple in construction, very durable, easily. manipulated, and economical to manufacture and use.

It will, of course, be understood that various details of construction may be varied through a wide range without departing from the principles of this invention, and it is, therefore, not the purpose to limit the patent granted hereon 0th: erwise than necessitated by the scope of the. appended claims.

I claim as my invention 1. In a. foot imprint taking device, a base. means on said base to hold a pile, of charts, a cover. pivoted to said base and having an opening therein of a size to accommodate a, foot, a sheet of relatively unstretchable opaque. mate rial inside of and underlying said opening, an.

inked ribbon beneath said sheet, and resilient means to maintain said ribbon normally elevated above the uppermost chart of the pile but permit it to contact the chart when weight is applied, the arrangement being such that when a foot is placed on the sheet within the opening the ribbon marks an imprint of the foot on the uppermost chart.

2. In a foot. imprint taking device, a support arranged to hold a stack of charts, a' housing piV- oted to and arranged to overlie said support and the charts thereon, said housing having an opening therein over the charts, a sheet of inelastic material underlying said opening and fixedly attached to the underside of said housing at one en thereof, and resilient means attaching the opposite end of said sheet to the underside of said housing.

3. In a foot imprint taking device, a support arranged to hold a stack of charts, a' housing pivoted to and arranged to overlie said support and the charts thereon, said housing having an opening therein over the charts, a.- sheet of'in elastic; material underlying saidopening and hi!- edly attached to the underside of said, housing at one end thereof, resilient means attaching the opposite end of said sheet to the underside of said housing, and duplicating means between said sheet and the charts on said base,

4. In a foot imprint taking device, a cabinetlike structure of which the upper portion may be swung to open position off the, lower portion, said upper portion having an opening therein of a size to accommodate ahuman foot, means, in the lower portion to hold an imprint. chart in position beneath said opening, a spool carried in said structure beyond each end of said opening, a, du. plicating ribbon on said rolls. and extending beneath saidopening in position to produfio an 1111-. print of a root on the chart, means. arranged to prevent rotation of. one of said spools in one direction, and, resilient means to yieldingly permitv rotation of the other spool under pressure, and then restore the spool to original position to maintain the duplicating ribbon normally elevated above the, chart.

5. In a foot imprint, taking device, a cabinet,- like structure of, which the upper portion may be swung to open position off the lower portion, said upper portion havingan opening therein. of a size to accommodate ahuman, foot, means in the lower portion to hold an impr ntchart in positio beneath, said opening. a, spool, carried in; said structure beyond each end of said opening, a du-v piicating ribbon on, said rolls. and extending beneath said pening. in pos t on o pro c an mprint of. a footon the chart, and, means associated with said duplicating means, to, present a smooth clean surface to the foot. of a, user.

6. In a foot. imprint takin devi e, a support.

arranged to hold an imprintv receiving chart, a cover having, an opening in the, top thereof diss l o r said support. and. the chart, a sheet of mat al under ying. sa d openin said h e being. d y a t c e o the und rsi of s id cover at. one en tension moans sopnort nsthe t er n o s i sheet to maintain i el vate mthechart when n t n se, and duplica ing m ans a i d. y sa d eet.

n. a oot. i rint taking. devi e, a suppor r a ed. t o d n m r n re eivin ha a cover hav ng. a enin in the oe there is posable over said support and the chart, a sheet of material underlying said opening, and a duplicating medium removably attached to the underside, of said sheet to permit replacement of said medium, without removal of said sheet.

RAYMOND W. BERGMAN. 

